Secrets of Us A Forbidden Love Romance (Alina)

Chapter 238

Chapter 238

It takes me a while to realize I'm in Zaid's bed when I first open my eyes to the

morning

sun.

His arms are wrapped around my waist, our legs tangled together like we fell asleep like that and never wanted to separate. His chest rises and falls behind my back, his breath

warm on my neck.

My body shivers and I try to hold back the laugh that wants to bubble from my chest. I'm grinning like an idiot, though.

My heart takes on an odd beat in my chest. Maybe I don't have to leave. Maybe I don't

have to go to Florence with my aunt.

Because what if what I'm looking for is already here?

I turn slowly, careful not to wake him, and look at him. He has this crease between his brows even in sleep, like there's always something weighing on him in his thoughts. His lips are parted slightly, and I swear I could spend the rest of my day looking at him.

Memorizing his features.

I lean forward and kiss the corner of his mouth, not able to help myself. His brow twitches and my smile widens. I kiss him again.

He stirs, his eyes fluttering open, heavy with sleep. A sleepy smile curves his lips.

"Did you just kiss me?" he asks, voice rough with sleep.

I giggle, turning to lie on my stomach as I set my arms on his chest, propping my chin. "Maybe."

He smiles down at me. "Morning."

"Morning," I whisper back.

He leans in and kisses me again, unhurried. And for a few heartbeats, there's nothing but the warmth of his mouth and the way his hands find my waist beneath the sheets.

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Chapter 238

myself smiling. The kind of

someone happy.

I've felt like that since my dad and Alex passed away. But this feels

playing low. He's humming softly, and I can't stop staring at him. He's only wearing pants, and it's the best knowing that he

always been

phone buzzes on the counter, and

we come! June 4th. I know you're still thinking about

over and over again. Just an hour ago, I was content

around itself. I stare

comfort I felt this morning now

from me to my phone and back at me.

as I grab the

He raises an eyebrow and takes a sip

information for the trip. We would head out in June,"

around the

second. A flash of sadness in his eyes, like he's

catch it. But

smile back and nods softly. "That's good. It's

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Chapter 238

The words tumble out before I even fully form them. "You could

the way his fingers curl

me drops.

a piece of hair behind my ear.

want to," he says quietly. "God, I want to. But I have things I need to figure out too. Parts of me I still have to face. And I'm sure your aunt would have

feeling from last night

mine. "Trust me,

is nothing compared to the rest

rising. "But what

will change. That's the point. You're going there to grow. To find yourself. I want that for you. I want you to come back knowing, loving yourself more than

stare at him, my heart a

don't want me anymore?" I ask, quieter than I mean

that aching,